B'method for monitoring fetal characteristics by radiotelemetric transmission

Abstract

A fetal monitor is provided for gathering characteristic data such as fetal electrocardiogram, temperature and intra-uterine pressure so that fetal health may be determined during intra-operative and postoperative periods. The fetal monitor comprises a remote sensing unit, the remote sensing unit containing sensors which continually sample fetal temperature and electrocardiogram. A transceiver is housed in the remote sensing unit and outputs the sampled fetal temperature and electrocardiogram signals to an external antenna. A monitoring station is provided for monitoring the fetal temperature and electrocardiogram signals from the antenna. Additionally, a pressure transducer may be housed in the remote sensing unit for continually sampling intra-uterine pressure. This intra-uterine pressure signal in combination with the above signals are utilized to determine fetal health or the onset and progress of parturition.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method for implanting a fetal electrocardiogram monitoring device, said method comprising the steps of: attaching a thin conductive electrode to a distal end of an electrocardiogram lead;   affixing the other end of said thin conductive electrode to a needle;   making an incision in the posterior abdominal wall of a fetus, said incision being wide enough to allow said needle, thin conductive electrode and lead to enter said fetus;   positioning said needle so as to thread said lead under the skin to the anterior abdominal wall of said fetus;   making a second incision for allowing said needle to be removed from said fetus, said second incision being wide enough to allow said needle and said thin conductive electrode to exit said fetus and narrow enough to prevent said lead from exiting said fetus.   
     
     
       2. The method recited in claim 1, further comprising the step of: sealing said second incision by suturing said incision with said thin conductive electrode and thus maintaining said lead subcutaneously and preventing said lead from coming into contact with amniotic fluid.